YWOP - Meeting 5 - I am the way, the truth and the life

I was relieved to be able to receive rather than five the reading tonight. Jake took us through the book of John 14-17 and broke down john 14:6 in particular.

It's a strange concept for a person to say that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We have been conditioned to think of these things as intangible, but the words that Jesus utters, indicate that he is "the", not "a" Way, Truth and the Life. We find the Way, Truth and Life by looking to him? Jake explained how "the way" infers mainly two things. 1. Direction and 2. The How-to. The first hints at a journey, which will require everything needed for a journey. You will assume that he knows where he's going, you will need to follow, and there is a final destination where you will eventually arrive. The second surmise is the "I will show you the way to do it", the how-to. Not only are we going on this journey, we are being shown how to walk this journey. In other words we're not left on our own to work it out for ourselves.

The Truth -Jake read a story about of a Mother's seemingly harmless act (of calling in a "sickie" to work, when she wasn't really) had influenced her young son to reciprocate a similar behaviour to his teacher at school. Encouragingly, this lead her to feel guilty and explain to her son that what she did was wrong, and her son encouraged her Mum to pray for forgiveness. They did, and healing took place immediately. The reading touched suggested there can be no forgiveness when there is no confession. How does one forgive another when the offender shows no sign, or speaks no word of remorse for their offense. The Truth is, God will forgive because he loves us, and will love us no matter what the circumstance is. If you're a parent, do you hate your child after he's/she's broken your favourte vase? Of course your upset, your child needs to acknowledge their responsibility, and discipline should be administered to avoid a "next-time", but do you stop loving them? God forbid! The Truth is we need to confess and be repentant of our failures and short comings because God our Father loves us this very minute, even if you haven't acknowledged that truth.........yet.

In the bible John 10:10, Jesus says, "I will give you life, and life abundantly.". These words mean more than we really realise. We often wake up every morning without one thought as to why our heart is beating, and our respitory system is functioning. According to that text, our life only exists because he allows it! WHOA! This deserves further investigation. But he doesn't stop there he says, I'll give you life abundantly. The life that we live here on earth doesn't need to be the "groundhog" -"day in to day out the same old thinking", life is not about trudging through just so we can grow old and die. Jake gave us an acronym and it goes like this:

J -Jesus: the source of where we can find fullness of life

O -Others: Loving others makes for a whole new perspective in life

Y -Yourself: Knowing that you are loved no matter what, is the life.

I encourage you to read the past blogs, if you haven't already, and even better go to the readings themselves at http:// gcy.bigfoottech.com/MediaPublications/ YouthWeekOfPrayer/tabid/100/ Default.aspx

I truly enjoyed the service from songs to o Jakes talk, prayer group sessions, and closing with our theme song "You are my all in all". This can't be further from the Way, the Truth and the Life, Jesus Christ is mine, and your "all in all". Will you accept the Way, Truth and the Life?

Shalom,

Dave

YWOP - Meeting 4 " I am the good Shepherd"

Well we've completed meeting 4 and it appears we're on a bit of a journey. First we were told that he is the light, and then he is the door, so imagine a street light allowing us to see a door to a particular house, we knock on that door and He opens it to invite us in to eat of the bread. Well now, he says after eating, follow me, "I am the good Shepherd".

Shepherding isn't the flashiest occupation that a typical year 12 student would quickly mention when asked "what will you do when you finish high school?" in fact, for the most part a lot of us don't see much of it at all. As a kid I remember seeing this show come on every Sunday morning about shepherding and that's as much as I'd been exposed to it. It wasn't until Sokha and I went on our honeymoon did I notice how gentle these animals were, and I was able to relate a lot of biblical illustrations this time around.

A number of things we misunderstand about shepherding in bible times:

• The Shepherd lead from the front. By calling and training his sheep with a particular call, they know who they are responding to, and will not follow a stranger.
• The Shepherd protects and takes care of his sheep. By making a clearway, building dams in streams for the sheep to drink, attending to their requirement for aid, (injuries, sickness etc.
• He knew his sheep individually by name and took a stock take every night before laying down.
• And he lays down his life for his sheep. WOW.

The thing is Jesus is a good shepherd, and he actually wants us to emulate his leadership qualities. Are we shepherds, are you leading people to improve their life quality? If you are, do you follow the four points above?

It's amazing how God called two leaders in particular to take up training first as shepherds before he gave them the reins to lead his people. The first is Moses, and the second David who went from shepherd to king.

When one of the sheep was lost, the shepherd would search high and low for the lost sheep. The shepherd would call out in his distinctive call, and the lost sheep would respond as it heard his masters voice. When the shepherd found it's lost sheep, he removes him from the bush, or crevice under a rock, and celebrates all the way back to the pen.

So it is with us, our main objective is to lead the soul back. Not jump on an All-Terrain bike, get the herd dogs and force them back to the fold. We must allow them to get familiar with the distinctive voice, and allow them to call our for the master. We then may respond by leading them through until such time they can identify the voice for themselves.

Shalom,

Dave

YWOP - Meeting 3 "I am the bread of life" John 6:48

As a kid growing up in a suburban corner of Auckland, New Zealand, bread was one the foods that was always in the pantry. It appeared it was the same in all my friends household too (except for my indian and chinese buddies, but they use to have some awesome after school snacks)

It's an easy go to type of food, put on some butter and any of your favorite spreads, and voila you have yourself a snack. It's also easy to access, for most of us we go to the store, exchange money for bread, and you're onto it. I have friends that actually make their bread and it's really yummy.

Well it was the same in Jesus time also, however, bread was not as easily accessible as it is in our time. It was a bit of a chore to make bread. First the wheat had to separated from the stem, then ground to make flour to mix in with other ingredients and then finally have it baked into bread. It would take about two hours to make bread, and their bread contained all the nutrition that wheat was originally made to provide our bodies.

In John 6, Jesus Christ performs the awesome miracle of feeding thousands of people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish provided by a little boy with a will to share. Following this, the people needed more evidence and they hinted at Christ to prove himself by performing a similar miracle in the old testament (providing manna from heaven, didn't Satan do a similar tempation in Matthew 4?). Jesus then proceeds to explain that they need to eat from the flesh, the bread of life, which is him. Well, as you could imagine, they believed Jesus was endorsing cannibalism and inviting them to eat him. But what was he talking about?

A thorough look into the bible will reveal that he was talking about having a through look into the bible. His word is the bread of life. When we partake of the word of Christ we nourish our spiritual being. The bread that Jesus was referring to was his word, the Holy Bible itself.

We are invited to eat from his word and digest on this wholesome bread. So as much as you depended on your breakfast to see you through the day, so it is with you needing his words to sustain your thoughts and behaviour, through the day and life in general.

Why don't you start by reading one of the stories, start with John 1, and you'll soon get to John 6 in no time. Here's a toast to you!

Shalom,

Dave

YWOP - meeting 2 - I am the door - John 10:2

I use to enjoy listening to a famous band called "the doors" in my dark ages. I thought they were pretty clever in touching on the concept that they were trying to teach their audience to "break on through to the other side", which was from reality to the abstract, by means of exploring the psychedelic of the mind via the use of various stimulants. Their lives didn't really give us much to work with because their attempts to break through was always momentary.

Little did I know. Jesus said "i am the door" way back. What did he mean?
Well tonight there were only a small number of us to discuss but we covered a lot of ground. Rob Tila, Temz, Bex, Rymone, Sam and me were able to explore the following, doors are for:

1. Opening: Christ opens himself to us and a life of abundance. John 10:10

2. Shutting: Christ shuts out selfishness and all the friends, characteristics, possessions that weigh us down. Staying warm is another reason to shut the door. Also often we are shut in for our protection but we often misinterpret it as deprivation.

3. Let's in and let's out: only Christ has the say so on this point.

Point is: we are not the door He is! And Rev 3:20 says He "stands at the door and knocks" on the door of our hearts to see if we will open. He doesn't "break on through" he seeks our permission.

What is your response? Not today, be a minute, try to tidy up first? Our only task is to open the door and invite him in. He's keen to come in and help tidy the mess. Listen.......someone's at the door.

Shalom,

Dave

YWOP - Meeting 1 "I am the light of the light of the world"

We started with a prayer at around quarter to five With David doing the honours amongst Rob, Steve and I
After a short wait, a few started to show And by ten past five, we were ready to go

We opened with songs "This little light of mine" and "Give me the Bible". With a quick intro from David and laying down what to expect in the following week, Steve followed with a short prayer and began his talk. Steve shared certain aspects of what it means to be me, I mean who do I say I am when people ask? He then went on to explain how Christ is the light source, and how he commissioned us to be the light of the world. The moon and sun illustration really stood out (refer to David's recent Facebook status'), and also about how cold it gets where Steve stays, and how much he appreciates the sun rising in the morning as it slowly radiates it's light and warmth, until we are totally clothed in it. Much like how Christ works in our lives.

We ended with the song "You are my all in all" and separated into groups to pray. I hope that our youth will form the habit in powerfully holding each other up in prayer.

And these are the events of what happened at our Youth Meeting today..

By Roddy Gairo

Biblical Fasting

Biblical Fasting - Is fasting necessary for today’s Christian church?

Biblical fasting is a spiritual discipline which was encouraged by Jesus, Himself, while He was on earth. When questioned as to why the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist fasted while Jesus disciples did not, Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast” (Matthew 9:15).

Jesus was indicating that fasting would become a necessity when, the bridegroom (Jesus) was taken away. While Jesus, who was God manifested in human form, was still on earth, His followers enjoyed a close fellowship and friendship with Him. Jesus bestowed power and authority on them to the extent that they had limited power to preach, heal the sick, and cast out devils. Similarly, when Jesus sent them out to minister to the populace, He instructed them to take few provisions. “Then Jesus asked them, ‘When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?’ ‘Nothing,’ they answered. He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one’” (Luke 22:35-36).

Jesus was teaching that after His departure, the entire dynamic would change and the disciples would need a different type of preparation and provision. Fasting was to be a vital part of this new preparation. The new covenant is based on the truth that we have received everything in Christ, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

Nevertheless, we cooperate with the Spirit in the working out of our salvation with much prayer, meditation, and the study of God’s Word. In addition to all these spiritual practices, Christians should also employ the humbling discipline of fasting.

Biblical Fasting - Is there a proper method to fasting?

Biblical fasting, unlike fasting for medical or health reasons, must be done with an attitude of seriousness and sincerity. When we fast, we willingly deprive the body of nourishment and the pleasurable taste of food. The body requires food for sustenance; therefore our hearts and minds must be totally focused and directed towards God so that He may be the full source of our strength during our period of fasting.

Fasting must also be done in an attitude of humility. It is not necessary for others to know we are fasting; it is directed towards God. “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:17-18).

In addition to our attitudes towards God and our stance before man, our motives must also be correct. We should fast in order to further the building up of God’s kingdom by seeking to minister to others. The prophet Isaiah received from the Lord the acceptable motives for our fasts: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter -- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” (Isaiah 58:6-7).

Fasts may last for varying lengths of time -- one day, three days, seven days, and more. We should prayerfully seek the Lord about the length of our fast. Fasting should have an object in mind; we should have a clear idea of the need and purpose. One of the most pressing reasons for Christian fasting may be revival -- “Will you not revive us again. . .” (Psalm 85:6).

Biblical Fasting - What are the benefits of Christian fasting?

Biblical fasting brings us into a closer union with God. While our bodies are being deprived for the purpose of drawing near to God, He has promised in return to draw near to us. This is a spiritual certainty. As we decrease, the Spirit increases. As individuals we are strengthened and renewed. “. . .Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

While this verse applies to our eternal destiny, the principle applies to our daily sojourn; as we humble and deprive our bodies through fasting, our spiritual man is made stronger and our senses more acute. This principle served the apostles well during the early church days. Their decisions were made through fasting and prayer; God gave them instructions and directions. “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off” (Acts 13:2-3).

Wicked kings, destined for destruction, received mercy from humbling themselves and fasting (1 Kings 21:29). The entire city of Nineveh, including animals, fasted upon hearing the pronouncement of judgment from the prophet Jonah -- and God spared them (Jonah 3:10). Jesus received divine preparation for His earthly ministry while fasting and enduring temptation. Moses waited upon God forty days and received the divine revelation of God’s commandments.

While we await the return of the bridegroom, our Lord Jesus Christ, fasting exemplifies our attitude of spiritual hunger -- the promise is that we will be satisfied. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6)

(Sourced from: http://www.allaboutgod.com/biblical-fasting.htm)

Shalom

Dave

Australia Day Series with Edens

I would've written this blog lastnight had not it been that I was tired from the sun, the excercise and the overall fun at Underwood park.

Yesterday was the first official Youth social for the Edens Landing Seventh Day Adventist Youth group, and the weather was turned on for it too praise God! He even gave us a few overcasts for relief.

It was an awesome turnout, thanks to the communication skills of brother Temz, and I'm sure others spread the word too, however I later discovered that a lot of our people were a tad confused about the location. I repeat Underwood park is in Underwood (Priestdale really) and it's a great place for families to go, as there is a playground, ample gas BBQ's, fields, a BMX track and even a half basket ball court!

Well we decided we'd warm up with a game of touch football, and when we were all warmed up we prepared ourselves for the Cricket match. I was so warmed up I thought I was done for the day.

The teams were split by regions, and one team was South of the Logan River Bridge, and the other team North of the bridge as suggested by Aaron Travers. The captains for the teams were Rob Tila representing the North, and Tema Iosefa representing the South. Rob won the coin toss and he chose to bat.

Souths

Tema Iosefa (c)

Jeff Eludme

Rymone Autufuga

Fui (George Rimoni)

Mary Sasa

Delon Mannering

Willie Iosefa

Liki Soochoon

Andrew Leo

Victor Assedjian

Fa'atoaga Lavea

Norths

Rob Tila (c)

Tom Eludme

Stans Mano'o

Henry Suluvale

Janine Cass

David Leo

Jose Sasa

Aaron Travers

Sam Magele

Anae (Jacob) Okesene

Epa Iosefa

It was quite clear from the start that Sam was a threat for the batting side, (North) but it soon turned out that the South team had their speed bowler Willie Iosefa and their leg spinner Delon Mannerring showing the skills from South Africa. The first four bowls saw the North team with 12 points and were looking quite promising, but soon the South team were still 12 points with 3 out. Tom added a few more points, and their partnership managed to steal a few runs to increase the points. Sam held his own, and the first inning closed with 97 points 6 out. Some nice fielding though, with a couple of beautiful catches.

Lunch was scrumptious, veggie burger patties made by Sokha and Tilly Leo, and the snags (sausages) courtesy of Sanitarium. Everyone enjoyed their burgers and hot dogs, and got their stomachs saturated with the Lime mix cordial, and then all were ready for the 2nd innings. Alas, we had more people arrive by the time lunch finished and the 1st inning were to continue to balance out the numbers.

So with 3 extra players and Sam still sticking it out to the end. The final score was 141 points to 8 out. It was then Souths turn to bat, and the Norths to show their skills, and it was soon quite obvious that our most skilled, was a speed bowler, Epa Iosefa, and Aaron struggled out fielding due to an early injury before the game. Rymone showed that he must've been honing his batting skills at home, and their score was soon increasing. Jeff clearly affected by the heat had a hard time focusing on the incoming ball, but he put a few points on the board too. Liki showed good form, and Mary stayed on for a long period of time (not to say she hit many, lol). Fa'atoaga came with a horizontal swing, reminiscent of swinging the kilikiti bat, but it and it proved quite strong. But strong communication amongst the South's team saw the Norths strike out at 126 points to 8 out. First game to the Norths.

The second game was changed to 20 overs to limit the time. But the Norths stayed consistent and pulled off another win in similar fashion. And Janine showed that she had a South African swing of her own in her arsenal. Although it is understandable that the Souths were fielding on the climatic hot period of the day, and Nato (Andrew) left a hole in the slip zone.

With that all aside, everyone enjoyed the day out. It was fantastic to have most of our Edens Landing Youth together, and I hope to see it more often in the future. Awesome cheering from both teams to support their players and big thank you to all for a game played in good cheer, and fun for me and all! We'll have to do it again some time, what do you say?

Shalom

Dave